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2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Airbag Safety

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airbagCertain 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles could experience a compromised side curtain air bag (SABIC) deployment due to an improperly seated upper B-pillar. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for ejection mitigation.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) became aware of the problem in June 2022 when the FCA technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was informed of a potential issue related to the upper B-pillar trim that could result in a compromised SABIC deployment in some 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles. FCA analyzed warranty claims, customer records and vehicle history to identify reports of improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. They held meetings with FCA Interior Engineering and Manufacturing to review the issue and understand the part design failure mode.

According to the defect report, when the ejection propulsion mechanism propels the ejection impactor into the impact target locations of each side daylight opening of a vehicle according to the test procedures specified in S5 of this standard, the most outboard surface of the ejection head form must not displace more than 100 millimeters beyond the zero displacement plane. Vehicles with the upper B-pillar trim not fully seated may have a compromised side airbag inflatable curtain deployment that may not meet this requirement. A compromised deployment of the SABIC can reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash, resulting in an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. If a vehicle has this problem, the driver may notice a loose fit and/or rattle in the B-pillar.

This recall is not related to a part defect but rather an assembly issue where the vehicle may have been built with an improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. The remedy will be to inspect and, if necessary, reseat or replace all loose or broken upper B-pillar interior trim pieces. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 76A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-545.

Electric Oil Pump Failure May Cause Fire

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Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and Kia America, Inc. (Kia) are contacting owners of certain 2023-2024 vehicles because these vehicles are potentially affected by a critical issue related to the electric oil pump assembly. The problem could lead to a vehicle fire.

According to the defect report, the problem lies in a Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) located on the printed circuit board within the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) electric oil pump assembly for the transmission. During the manufacturing process, the MLCC may have incurred damage from the supplier. This damage can have severe consequences on the electrical operation of the pump, leading to heat damage to the electric oil pump circuit board, connector, and wiring harness.

The consequences of this heat damage are twofold. Firstly, it escalates the risk of a vehicle fire, which can pose a significant threat to both the occupants and the vehicle itself. Secondly, there is a potential for a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication disruption for multiple onboard controllers. This disruption could lead to operational issues and compromises in the vehicle’s performance.

A range of 2023-2024 Hyundai and Kia models have been identified as being susceptible to this issue. The affected vehicles include:

The vehicles affected include:

2023 Hyundai Elantra
2023 Hyundai Kona
2023-2024 Hyundai Palisade
2023 Hyundai Sonata
2023 Hyundai Tucson
2023-2024 Kia Seltos
2023 Kia Soul
2023 Kia Sportage

Drivers may notice smoke from the vehicle’s under-body, a burning or melting odor or an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light and other system dashboard warning lamps.

To address this potential problem, Hyundai and Kia are taking immediate action by issuing a recall. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified and requested to schedule an appointment with their nearest Hyundai or Kia dealerships. During the inspection process, the electric oil pump controller will be inspected, and if necessary, replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.

As a precautionary measure until the recall repair is completed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures. This will minimize the potential risk of a vehicle fire and provide added safety for both the vehicle and surrounding property.

For reference, Hyundai has designated the recall with the number 246, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 23V-526. Meanwhile, Kia has assigned the recall with the number SC275, and the associated NHTSA campaign number is 23V-531.

Jaguar I-Pace Coolant Heater Failure

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Rrecently, Jaguar has faced an issue with a small number of its 2021-2022 I-Pace vehicles, where a high voltage coolant heater failure could lead to a defroster malfunction, posing potential risks to the drivers. In response to customer complaints and reports of cabin heating loss, a Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) investigation was initiated in April 2022. The findings revealed a concerning trend, prompting Jaguar to take action and issue a recall.

Jaguar became aware of the potential problem in April 2022 when they began receiving reports of a loss of cabin heating in specific I-Pace models. In response, the Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) launched an investigation into the matter. An engineering team was assembled to look into the nature of these reports to identify the potential failure modes, and understand their potential consequences.

Throughout the investigation Jaguar collaborated with the component suppliers to determine the underlying factors contributing to these reported field failures. As the investigation progressed, the PSCC requested a detailed analysis of high voltage coolant heater build periods to ascertain whether there was any discernible pattern or trend associated with the failure occurrences. By analyzing the data from various sources, the team worked to identify any consistent factors that might help them understand the root cause of the issue.

After an examination of the investigation’s outcome in June 2023, it was determined that the consequences of a high voltage coolant heater failure, coupled with the identified trend and pattern of incidents, were significant enough to warrant an immediate recall. The decision to recall the affected vehicles was made to mitigate any potential risks.

Owners of the affected vehicles are being contacted by Jaguar, requesting them to return to their nearest Jaguar dealership for a high voltage coolant heater replacement.

The recall, identified by Jaguar as H448, is officially registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), campaign number 23V-519. To date, there have been 64 field reports in the United States related to this issue.

Ford F-150 Unintended Activation of Electric Parking Brake

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f150-braking

Ford has been monitoring certain 2021-2023 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with single exhaust systems due to potential issues with the electric parking brake. Reports have surfaced indicating an unexpected activation of the parking brake, sparking concern among owners and the automaker alike. In response, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launched an investigation to assess the problem’s magnitude and potential root causes.

The initial investigation began after Ford received troubling reports of unintended parking brake application on a 2021 model year F-150 truck. Warranty and field reports revealed signs of damage to the wiring harness housing the rear electric parking brake circuits. Such damage raised red flags, necessitating a closer look to ensure the safety and reliability of these vehicles.

Looking deeper into the issue, Ford’s team of experts discovered that the damaged wiring was a component of the rear axle wiring harness assembly. This particular harness assembly not only houses wires for the rear electric parking brakes but also serves other essential electrical components. The investigation highlighted that, in certain scenarios, the rear axle wiring harness bundle could make contact with the rear axle housing, leading to chafing of the wiring bundle.

Over time, this chafing effect could wear through the abrasion-resistant tape and circuit insulation, ultimately exposing the underlying copper wiring. The consequence of this exposure could be the grounding of circuits on the rear axle housing, which in turn could cause unintended activation of the electric parking brake. Adding to the complexity, corrosion on the rear axle housing could accelerate the abrasion process, compounding the problem.

Ford’s engineering team took the investigation further by conducting comprehensive vehicle-level testing and data analysis. The goal was to understand the implications of damaged circuits within the wiring harness bundle. They discovered that if the low side electric parking brake motor circuit experienced a short to ground, it could trigger the unintended activation of the electric parking brake, potentially leading to hazardous situations.

Ford are initiating a recall to resolve this issue. Owners of affected vehicles will receive official notices instructing them to take their vehicles to authorized Ford or Lincoln dealers for thorough inspections of the rear axle wiring harness.

During the inspection, if the technicians observe any wear on the abrasion tape covering the wire bundle, the suspect harness will be replaced with a new service harness. In cases where the abrasion tape shows no signs of wear, the dealer will take preventive measures by installing a protective tie strap and tape wrap, ensuring the wiring remains secure and safeguarded against future issues.

Ford is aware of 918 warranty and three field reports in North America for the wire chafing condition. Of these reports, 299 indicated that the electric parking brake had unintended activation, of which nineteen (19) allege electric parking brake application while driving. Ford has assigned a recall number to this campaign, which is 23S35. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the campaign as number 23V-509.

Ford Fusion PHEV Battery Problem
Risk Of Stall Or Fire

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Ford Fusion with smoke from trunk

Certain Ford Fusion PHEV vehicles may experience damage to their Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) due to excessive voltage and current flow. This issue can lead to a loss of motive power and pose safety risks such as the possibility of a crash or a localized fire around the BECM. Ford is currently working on a fix for this safety issue.

Problem was first discovered in July 2022, when Ford’s Trend and Early Warning Support (TEWS) team alerted the Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) about five fire reports involving 2019 Fusion PHEV vehicles equipped with 30Ah high voltage batteries. These fires occurred while the vehicles were at dealerships during a replacement BECM service to address various issues like voltage sense Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), check engine light, no start, or loss of motive power concerns. Ford’s High Voltage Battery Systems Team conducted an analysis and determined that the fires originated from the BECM. Further examination by the supplier revealed that the Current Interrupt Device (CID) had been activated in the high voltage battery cells of the affected units, though the reason behind this activation remains unknown. Due to the rate and severity of the concern, Ford’s CCRG initiated an investigation.

In February 2023, Ford published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that advises replacing the high voltage battery if vehicles come in for service with one or more voltage sense DTCs, instead of just replacing the BECM. This measure aims to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.

While a permanent remedy is under development, Ford urges owners not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is implemented. To ensure owners are aware of the safety risk, interim letters have been sent to them as of July 14, 2023. Second letters will follow once the remedy becomes available. This recall is identified as 23S33 by Ford, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-440.

Nissan Leaf EV Unintended Acceleration

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Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is taking action to address a safety matter related to certain 2018-2023 LEAF EVs. These Electric Vehicles could experience unintended acceleration. This issue came to Nissan’s attention during internal testing in December 2021 when a trial vehicle showed a motor torque deceleration delay following the deactivation of Intelligent Cruise Control.

To tackle this problem, Nissan conducted computer simulations, analyzing data from the test vehicle, in an effort to replicate the condition. After several tests, they identified a specific sequence of actions that could potentially lead to the reported phenomenon, although they were unable to recreate the issue on an actual vehicle.

To ensure the safety of their customers, Nissan continued their efforts to replicate the phenomenon under real-world conditions. After extensive computer simulation and on-track testing, they determined that the following sequence of actions must be completed in under eight (8) seconds for the unintended acceleration to occur:

1. Disengage Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, or ProPILOT Assist.
2. Immediately after disengagement, shift drive modes from ‘D’ to ‘B’ or ‘ECO’, or activate e-Pedal ‘ON’.
3. Press the accelerator pedal and then release it.

Nissan’s evaluation of the risk associated with this issue in real-world driving conditions is very low, as it has not occurred outside of controlled track or simulated test environments. However, taking a cautious approach, Nissan decided to conduct a recall campaign to reprogram the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) as a preventive measure.
For clarification, the ‘B’ mode engages the regenerative braking system more aggressively on downhill slopes, reducing the need for excessive brake use. This mode is manually selected by shifting from ‘D’ to ‘B’ using the shift lever.

To address the issue, Nissan dealers will reprogram the Vehicle Control Module (VCM). You can refer to Nissan’s recall number for this action, which is R23A6, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number, which is 23V-494.

Toyota and Lexus Airbag Problem

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AirbagToyota and Lexus have announced that they will be reaching out to owners of specific vehicle models due to a critical problem related to the electrical connection inside the steering column. This issue has the potential to disable the driver’s side airbag, leading to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Occupant Crash Protection.

The problem first came to Toyota’s attention in May 2023 when they were contacted by the spiral cable assembly supplier. The supplier informed Toyota about an ongoing investigation into the manufacturing process, which revealed contamination in the washing station for specific spiral cable components. As a consequence, a poor welding condition could occur between the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and the bus bar, which affects connectivity to various controls on the steering wheel. Extensive testing conducted by the supplier between late-May and late-June indicated that the FFC might detach from the bus bar at the weak weld connection area.

As per the defect report, the steering column assembly in the affected vehicles contains electrical connections to the driver’s airbag module housed within a spiral cable assembly, including the FFC. In cases where the FFC is inadequately welded to the spiral cable’s bus bar, there is a risk of the FFC separating, resulting in one or more open circuits linked through the FFC. This separation specifically impacts the circuit responsible for connecting the driver’s airbag module. If connectivity is lost, the SRS warning light will activate, and the driver’s airbag may be deactivated, failing to deploy in a crash scenario that necessitates its activation. Consequently, this raises the likelihood of driver injury in the event of a crash.

 

The vehicles affected include:

2023-2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
2023-2024 Lexus NX250
2023-2024 Lexus NX350
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
2023 Lexus RX350
2023 Lexus RX500H
2023 Toyota Corolla
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2023 Toyota Tacoma

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TA08, Lexus’ number for this recall is 23LA02 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-480.

Honda and Acura Potential Brake Issues

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Honda and Acura have identified a potential issue related to the tie rod fastener in certain vehicle models. This manufacturing concern could lead to the separation of the brake master cylinder from the booster assembly, compromising brake function and potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

The following Honda and Acura vehicle models have been identified as being potentially affected by this recall:

2020-2021 Honda Civic
2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline
2021-2023 Honda Passport
2021-2022 Honda Pilot
2020 Acura MDX

Honda first became aware of the problem in December 2020 when a missing nut was discovered in the brake booster tie rods. The company notified the component part supplier and initiated an investigation to identify the root cause. The investigation revealed that the brake master cylinder may have been improperly fastened to the brake booster assembly during the manufacturing process, resulting in the presence of loose or missing tie rod nuts. This assembly flaw could potentially lead to the breakage of tie rod studs, causing the brake master cylinder to separate from the brake booster assembly.

Potential Consequences and Safety Concerns: In the event of a separation between the brake master cylinder and the brake booster assembly, drivers may experience diminished or complete loss of brake function. This compromised braking capability significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Honda has taken immediate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.

Recall and Repair Process: As a proactive measure, Honda has issued a recall for the affected vehicles. Authorized dealerships will inspect the brake booster assembly and perform the necessary repairs to rectify any potential issues. To facilitate the recall process, Honda has assigned the following identification numbers: VEU, AEV, and ZET. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-458 to this recall.